The Teaching and Learning of Chinese as a Second or Foreign Language: The Current Situation and Future Directions

In this opening commentary, we highlight the development of the teaching and learning of Chinese as a second or foreign language (CSL/CFL), which has attracted much attention from researchers, language educators, and other stakeholders worldwide. To contribute to this ongoing examination and discussion, this special issue documents the collective efforts of scholars in different educational contexts to review six critical issues in teaching and learning CSL/CFL: learning and instruction of reading Chinese as an additional language, Chinese character teaching and learning, learner identity in CSL/CFL education, teaching and learning Chinese through immersion, technology assisted CSL/CFL teaching and learning, and mobile assisted learning CFL. We contend that all efforts to address these critical issues require constant examination to facilitate further development in CSL/CFL education around the world.     

Mobile Assisted Chinese Learning as a Foreign Language: An Overview of Publications between 2007 and 2019

This paper presents a critical overview of studies on mobile assisted language learning (MALL) in teaching Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) during the period 2007-2019. In the review, keyword and reference searches were conducted to identify and select empirical studies during the review period. Thematic and frequency analyses were employed on the data. This identified methodological trends and research outcomes in the reviewed studies. As shown in the results, most of the reviewed studies used qualitative methods to examine the effect of mobile CFL learning on formal learning in higher education settings. These studies document the positive impact that mobile technology has on CFL learning. Their attention is primarily on the use of mobile learning in Chinese vocabulary acquisition, language skill development and mobile seamless learning. Suggestions are provided for further research to support continuous mobile assisted CFL teaching and learning.     

Five Creative Approaches to Reading in New Haven Middle Schools

In this article, the authors assess the evidence related to various instructional styles for teaching reading to children with learning disabilities. Results of the literature review indicate that whole language and direct instruction are the two major approaches to teaching reading. Whole language has proven successful for many students with learning disabilities. In addition, direct instruction provides teachers with the ability to steer, guide, and evaluate student progress frequently. However, little research exists regarding the effectiveness of direct versus whole language instruction. The authors also review and discuss neurological and psychological aspects of the development of reading skills and the need for further research.     

A Review of Research on Technology-Assisted Teaching and Learning of Chinese as a Second or Foreign Language from 2008 to 2018

More and more studies are examining the use of technology in the teaching of Mandarin Chinese as a second or foreign language (L2 Chinese). The current study involved a systematic review of the literature in the field published outside China from 2008 to 2018. A total of 33 studies met the inclusion criteria. The current review study aimed: (1) to examine the research topics and technologies used in the literature; (2) to identify the benefits of, and challenges involved in, the use of technologies in L2 Chinese teaching and learning; and (3) to suggest implications for practitioners and directions for further research. The review study provides educators and researchers with an overview of recent developments in this field, which could be helpful in informing teaching practice and further research.     

Effects of early education programs and practices on the development and learning of dual language learners: A review of the literature

This article describes the results of a comprehensive review of the research literature from 2000 to 2011 evaluating the effects of early care and education practices on the developmental outcomes of dual language learners (DLLs) from birth through 5 years of age. Across 25 studies that met inclusion criteria, study samples consisted primarily of Latino or Spanish-speaking children 3–5 years of age enrolled in center-based programs. The analysis focused on features of the early education programs and practices (intensity and language of instruction) and research methods (sampling, research designs) in relation to child outcomes for the various types of research interventions evaluated in these studies (center-based programs, professional development, curricula, and instructional strategies). On the basis of a few large-scale scientifically sound studies, the review found at least some evidence to suggest that DLLs benefitted from attending widely available, well regulated programs such as Head Start and public pre-k, particularly with respect to improving language and literacy skills. However, because the extant research has not systematically accounted for the separate effects of language of instruction versus type of intervention, very little can be concluded about how these factors contribute to the positive main effects of these interventions.     

Trends in the research design and application of mobile language learning: a review of 2007–2016 publications in selected SSCI journals

This study reviewed the mobile technology-assisted language learning studies published from 2007 to 2016 in selected journals. Several critical issues were investigated, such as research methods, research issues, language and learner types, and learning outcomes. It was found that English as a foreign/second language was the most common target language; few studies have been conducted on native language learning. Early studies mainly focused on fostering learners’ individual language skills, while in the recent 5 years, researchers started to consider the issue of delivering multiple language skills in authentic learning environments. In addition, an increasing number of studies have involved mixed methods and longer treatment periods. Moreover, the effectiveness of mobile learning in terms of speaking, writing, vocabulary, and pronunciation was generally identified by most of the studies. On the other hand, more evidence is needed to further confirm its impacts on listening, reading, grammar, and integrated/whole language learning. Finally, some suggestions are provided to researchers or practitioners to facilitate their future work.     

跨语言学习心理测评——来自中英文阅读动机和阅读水平的证据

在跨语言学习测评研究中,目前尚未有学者探究同一群体的中国学生的中英文学习心理是如何相互影响,并最终影响语言能力。为弥补这一研究空白,本研究调查了中国北京267名初中生中英文阅读动机,并同时测试他们的和中英文阅读能力。在八个维度的阅读动机中,对中文作为母语和英文作为外语的阅读动机进行量化对比,中文阅读动机在自我效能感、好奇心、投入度、消遣娱乐性、社会伙伴态度五个维度上的表现高于英文阅读动机;而在学业成绩、工具性、社会家庭态度三个维度上,两者没有差异。同时,相关分析表明工具性与英文阅读水平密切相关;消遣娱乐性与中文阅读水平密切相关。此外,多元线性回归分析显示,不同维度的阅读动机分别解释中英文阅读水平的差异。这些研究结果验证了阅读动机的跨语言性迁移特征,不同的阅读动机对中英文阅读水平起着不同作用。文章最后对中英文阅读教学提出了指导意见。     

第二语言习得理论与聋人汉语教学

部分聋人具有将汉语作为第二语言习得的特点.第二语言习得的相关研究对聋人大学生汉语教学有较大启示.从第一语言和第二语言关系、阅读和写作等方面,探讨第二语言习得理论、理念、教学方法及其对聋人大学生汉语教学的启发.总结实践中的一些做法.     

Learner Identity in Chinese as a Foreign/Second Language Education: A Critical Review

This paper reports the results of a review of 33 journal articles chosen from 87 empirical studies on learner identity in Chinese as a foreign/second language (CFL/CSL) education, published during the years 2005–2019. By analyzing the co-occurrence of keywords in these Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) journal articles, this review identifies the theoretical perspectives and topical trends of CFL/CSL education research on learner identity. The review shows that while such post-structuralist theories and notions as capital, identity and investment model have continued to play a predominant role in CFL/CSL identity research, interdisciplinary perspectives seem to also demonstrate their theoretical value and interpretive power. Furthermore, the review found that researchers explored a wide array of topical issues in relation to learner identity involved in the complex linguistic and social ecology of Chinese language learning. The review concludes with suggestions for future projects to consider that expand the thematic and theoretical scope by exploring intersections between different social categories and learner identities in societal contexts.     

汉语作为二语的课堂教学语言

汉语作为二语的课堂教学语言是指汉语教师为了达到教学目的在教学中有意识使用的专门语言,兼有讲授和语言示范的双重作用,既是教学的媒介语又是学习者的目的语,具有区别于一般学科知识课堂教学语言的特点,需要教师在对其进行组织和选择时遵循一定的原则和规范。     

汉语作为第二语言的学习策略研究

学习策略研究是现代心理学发展的产物。随着现代心理学对人类自身研究的不断深入,第二语言的教学研究也从"教"转向了"学",从以往侧重研究教学方法转移到研究学习者的特征和学习策略,以及这些特征和策略在第二语言教学中可能产生的影响。语言学习策略是当前教育领域和应用语言学领域颇受关注的热点问题,同时也是汉语作为第二语言学习即对外汉语学习成败的关键因素。系统探讨语言学习策略,可以全面提高对外汉语的教学质量。     

论内隐学习与语文教学的结合

内隐学习是人们无意识获得刺激环境中复杂知识的过程。内隐学习与语文教学相结合是语文课程改革中一条全新的思路,其目的是通过研究教学过程中缄默知识在教师和学生之间的传递和转化,找到一条适合汉语阅读、表达、思考的有效途径。文章从内隐学习的特征出发,结合具体的教学案例,从阅读、表达和思考三个方面来探索将内隐学习与语文教学相结合的方法。其中,在阅读方面,着重强调语法规则的抽象和人文素养的培养;在表达方面,着重强调自由表达、产生式表达和迫选式表达三种方法;在思考方面,着重强调自由扩散和逐层深入两种思考模式。内隐学习与语文教学相结合既丰富了内隐学习的研究内容,也为语文教学提供新的视角。     

Embodied learning and teaching approaches in language education: A mixed studies review

The notion of embodied learning has gained ground in educational sciences over the last decade and has made its way to language education with researchers acknowledging language learning as an embodied process. This mixed studies review aggregates and reviews empirical research, published from 1990 to 2020, using embodied learning approaches in language education. The review focuses on embodied approaches in learning and teaching first, second, and foreign languages at various educational levels. It encompasses 41 empirical studies with a majority published between 2019 and 2020, suggesting that the research area is growing rapidly. The results show that the studies align with two strands: (1) embodied learning through orchestrating embodied language learning and teaching, and (2) embodied learning in naturally occurring language learning interactions. The review identifies various embodied learning activities and presents how they contribute to language learning and teaching in different ways. The review proposes an understanding of embodied language learning that holds potentials to engage learners holistically, while simultaneously promoting language learning skills and adding emotional and motivational benefits to language learning.     

The contribution of inquiry to second language learning

Abstract

In this article the authors raise their concern about the way in which students with different levels of competence in the language of instruction (English in this case) acquire a second language. They also address the issue of the types of conditions which are necessary in order for dialogic interaction to be effective in the classroom when these students are acquiring a second language

In the first section, a review of the different theories on language learning is carried out, which helps to provide a response to the questions which have been raised. In the second section, the need to create opportunities to use the second language in real and meaningful situations is also raised, based on the results of three case studies. Learning through dialogue is presented as being a much more effective approach to teaching and learning a second language than traditional approaches, which were based on the teacher merely providing instruction and subsequently developing the information.     

Critical Chinese as an Additional Language education in Australia: A journey to voices,courage and hope

This article addresses key topics of Chinese as an Additional Language (CAL) education and classroom pedagogical practices. It reports on a 3-year ethnographic study within Australian schools to discuss dialogic pedagogical practices and students’ aspirations. Based on Freire’s conceptualisation of conscientização and banking education, the purpose of this article is therefore to unpack a journey to voices, courage and hope of a cohort of socially, linguistically and economically disadvantaged students in Western Sydney, one of the most culturally diverse regions in the country. Their experiences, responses, dreams and understanding of CAL education in multicultural Australia were thus captured. Our data shows that critical CAL education might point to some avenues for the educational equity agenda. By arguing that emancipatory and critical practices could enhance students to achieve consciousness and collective self-transformation, we aim to make a contribution to the literature on CAL and languages education, which all too often isolates from broader issues in educational theory. The article also adds to the limited research that engages with CAL classroom data. Our critical approach to CAL education illuminates the intersections between language and social inclusion. Considering the worldwide growing upheaval and scepticism around CAL education, we call for writing inclusive languages education and related pedagogical practices into the social inclusion agenda in Australia and internationally, for the teaching and learning of all additional languages.     

Collaborating with front-line teachers to incorporate self-regulated learning in Chinese language classes

This study aimed to initially explore the possibility of helping front-line teachers to integrate the principles of self-regulated learning (SRL) into Chinese reading instruction in a 1-year collaborative project. A total of 197 Secondary 3 students and 6 Chinese language teachers from a secondary school in Hong Kong participated in the study. The findings of quantitative and qualitative data in this study generally support the feasibility of incorporating the elements of SRL in Chinese reading instruction. Students improved their comprehension performance, intrinsic motivation, strategic knowledge, and strategy use after this learning experience. Teachers also expressed positive attitudes towards the new instruction and made constructive changes on the instructional materials and activities. However, the study found teachers' traditional beliefs might affect theimplementation of SRL instruction. The implications of these findings for understanding Chinese students' capacity for SRL and planning effective reading instruction to enhance their SRL abilities are discussed.     

A Brief Review of Motivation for Second Language Learning

It is an increasingly popular trend in the language field that people become bilingual or even multilingual,which exposes the fact that people are strongly motivated to learn another language in addition to their mother tongue.A large-scale of research has confirmed that motivation,serving as the internal impulse and initiative taste for second language learning,is among on of the key factors in second language acquisition and learning.The paper reviews the recent available literature on motivation of second language learning from both theoretical and empirical perspectives,with the purpose of neatening the important theories and relevant empirical studies in the field of second language motivation.     

Online Dutch L2 learning in adult education: educators’ and providers’ viewpoints on needs,advantages and disadvantages

This study critically addresses the assumptions made by educators and providers in the field of Dutch second language (L2) acquisition about the online learning of Dutch L2. These include assumptions about advantages and disadvantages of online language learning, such as flexibility, learner autonomy, enhanced opportunities for remediation and differentiation versus disadvantages including the solitary learning mode, delayed feedback or high production costs. Even though stakeholders perceive a clear need for online Dutch L2 learning, and are aware of several advantages of online language learning, the current implementation level is still low. The perceived disadvantages might be a factor hindering the transition to online learning. A reorientation of the current provision of Dutch L2 courses is perceived as desirable, with self-directed, needs-oriented and customised learning as the key concepts. The outcomes shed light on perceptions that foster or hinder the development of online language courses for adult migrants, and could resonate with language professionals worldwide.     

Some observations on beginning reading instruction

In this article, I review findings from 25 years of my own reading research that bear on the issue of skill-oriented versus holistic approaches to beginning reading. Several studies suggested that successful beginning readers demonstrate early development of word-recognition skills. These studies also indicated that both more and less successful readers make extensive use of contextual information when reading. Two experimental studies suggested that increased instructional and curriculum support for word recognition result in improvements in reading skill compared to whole-language instruction. In conclusion, I suggest that it is a mistake to treat systematic instruction of word-recognition skills as an alternative to instruction that emphasizes reading "authentic" texts and building language comprehension. Both word-recognition skills and building comprehension should be part of a reading program aimed at creating effective independent readers.     

Development of German reading comprehension in two-way immersive primary schools

Two-way immersion (TWI) is a variant of the increasingly popular bilingual instruction. Most TWI research lacks longitudinal data or the consideration of background variables to control for possible selection effects. This article examines the development of German reading comprehension of TWI students (N = 984) from fourth to sixth grade compared to conventionally taught students (N = 992). The latent growth curve models showed that immersion students reached the same level of German reading comprehension over the three measurement points, even if background variables like first language, socioeconomic background, and cognitive ability were included. Despite reduced instruction in German, TWI students showed the same reading comprehension level as students in regular instruction while having the advantage of learning an additional language. Although the level of reading comprehension differed between language groups (L1 German speakers, L1 partner language speakers, simultaneous bilinguals), the learning trajectories of reading comprehension were similar.